Reflections of Love- Poems to Help Heal

RAINBOW'S END

Goodbye dear friend, you've set me free
From any pain and misery
Of aching joints and failing heart
I know it's time for us to part
You made that choice to let me go
My time has come, this I know
Long and hard you fought, you tried
Oh dear friend I know you've cried
There are some fights that can't be fought
Old age is one, youth can't be bought
No pills, no cures for passing years
Our eyes do dim as do our ears
No magic wand can 'eer bring back
That precious thing we both do lack
The will to live, to stand and fight
There is no wrong, there is no right
In meadows green I will run
To you I know I was a son
A cat I was, not a child
Now I'm free, I can run wild
That bond between us will always stay
Even though I'm far away
'Til day is done for you I'll wait
Just outside of heavens' gate
My guide has come to lead me home
Where in green fields I'm free to roam
My aches have gone, my ills they mend
In that place, called Rainbow's End

Copyright George Anderson 1999






Four Feet In Heaven

Your favorite chair is vacant now,
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.

No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding -
I've put away your bowl
And all the things you won't be needing.

But I will miss you, little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought to me,
The comfort and the pleasure.

And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow!

There are so many stickies here. I am going to consolidate some to them into this one thread. My thoughts rest on all of you who come here to find healing and answers.

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around you,
And whispered, "Come to Me".

You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only picks the best.

And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

Author Unknown

Here is one submitted by Lorie D

God's Garden Must Be Beautiful
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around you,
And whispered, "Come to Me".

You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only picks the best.

And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

Author Unknown

Dear "Hissy"
I just read some of your posts and had another good cry over my beloved boy, "George" whom I lost this past Saturday (7/19). I only had him for a year, but the joy he brought me will last forever. I can't stop blaming myself for his tragic end. I elected for him to have surgery (a "P.U.") for recurring urinary tract obstructions. I did not want him to go through more hospitalizations, cathetars, traumatic trips to the vets. The surgery in my mind would be best for him. Even though the doctor said it was a major and traumatic surgery, she did not say it would be life threatening. George made it through the procedure. The vet said that she found a tablespoon of "grit & gravel" in his bladder that she flushed out. She scraped his bladder lining saying it was inflammed. One day post surgery George had some complications from swelling. The vet had to use a needle & syringe to relieve his bladder and give him steroids. George was supposed to come home Saturday. On Saturday morning, the vet called to say that George was a bit depressed. He was not eating and drinking on his own yet and she wanted to keep him for the weekend. I had this sick feeling in my stomach and asked her if I could come pay him a visit. She encouraged it. I went to visit him that evening with a bag of his favorite foods in hopes that I could cheer him up so he would bounce back. Nothing could prepare me for what I found when I arrived at the vet clinic. His doctor greeted me at the door and looked sad. She said that George was doing much worse and that he had given up his fight to live. His breathing was labored. He could barely move. I pleaded with him telling him that he had to get better and come home. I cried my eyes out. The vet wanted me to take him home, saying that she didn't want him to be alone. I did not understand how I could possibly take him home when he was so sick. She said that she just gave him his pain meds and he was "good for the night". She found his carrier and told me I could borrow a heating pad. I stayed with him while she made her rounds with the other animals, and quickly realized that he was dying. He felt so cold to touch. When the doctor reappeared I asked, "Do you think that there's a 99% chance that George is not going to make it?". She didn't have to say it. I knew. I told her that I could not bear to watch him go (suffer) at home. I asked her if we should put him to sleep. She agreed that it would be best and let me hold him. I kissed his sweet head. I told him that "Pepere" (my dad) would take good care of him. I felt the life leave his body. He went peacefully. I left the clinic sobbing. I have not been able to stop crying since then. I miss my baby so much. He was my best friend. I haven't been through this much pain since my divorce and my father's sudden death. If I could just stop blaming myself for putting him through so much and for "leaving" him at the vets, the place he feared most. If I could just get those images of his final days/hours out of my mind. I hope he forgives me. Thanks for listening.

Dear GM,

Please do not "place blame" on yourself. I know it is an automatic reaction, a way the body tries to overcome the grief by putting guilt on top of the grief, hoping the grief will go away, but trust me, it doesn't go away, not right off. The grief will fade, but it takes time.

You were there for George when he needed you to be. You trusted your vet to do the right thing, and for all intents and purposes, the vet did what she thought or was taught was the best thing to do. You cannot ever predict the outcome of such an invasive surgery on a cat, and you were there at the end to show George how deep the love you had for him went. Many people would of been unable to travel there, choosing instead to take the cat home, and pray for a miracle. But you were so intune with George, you saw the suffering and you ended it for him. There is not a thing wrong with that selfless act at all.

Hissy-

Thanks so much for your quick reply to my long saga about my buddy George.

It made me feel more at peace today.

It is getting a little easier to go on with my routine without falling apart and crying (my eyes were so puffy this morning I had trouble reading the paper!).

I miss my sweet kitty. . . . especially at night when I'm so used to having him by my side. He used to follow me EVERYWHERE. . . . greeted me at the door faithfully EVERY night, followed me to the bathroom, when I cooked dinner, to bed, when I got up. . . . he never left my side. He also stayed with me all night long when I was sick last month following me from the bathroom to my bed. He was such a good boy.

My children and I were checking out area animal shelters on line to see what's out there for homeless kitties. There are so many! I know when the time feels right that I will have to go adopt one. It will be difficult to select just one when I want them all! Their stories are all so sad & tragic.

Thanks again for being there.

Laurie

hi, i know this is a couple months after your post and i'm so sorry for your loss. i know how it feels. i lost three of my animals all in two years. it's a very hard thing to go through and feeling guilty over top of grief doesnt help. i wish i could've been there ro hold my pets when they were put to sleep but my parents always had them put to sleep while i was in school and only told me they were put to sleep after i got home from school. your pets are your best friend, they are always there and so faithful. i miss my babies every day and i'm glad i got another one (though it was almost a year before i did). she's brought so much joy back into my life. i'm so sorry again for your loss. i hope things have gotten better for you! take care.

These poems bring tears to my eyes - they make me think
about precious - i miss him so much

Here's a couple poems I found at petpeoplesplace.com that I liked:

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again

And this one hopefully will make you feel better, George's Mom:

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

I found this at the cats.about.com forum, the author wrote it for her collegue who lost her cat of 14 years:

Kitty's at the Bridge now
And while she waits for you
She's tusseling with other kitties
Doing what kitties do

Sleeping in the sunshine
Among some tulip trees
Dreaming of kitty games
Groomed by a summer breeze

She dreams of conquered dust bunnies
Her tail a battle flag
Keeping the Bridge safe for
Games of kitty tag

Chasing cobalt horses
With opals on their feet
Riding a mermaid chariot
Chasing manatees

She's running through the clouds now
Along the Rainbow's ridge
Skittering down the crescents
To explore that other bridge

Rainbow Bridge is forever
But all journeys had a start
Right here at this one
The bridge into your heart

LT
Co Host www.garryowen.com

When I asked for permission to use it, the answer to me was "take it where it needs to go. If it comforts a pet-loss, so much the better, I will have done my job. Thank you.".

I got to the gate of heaven yesterday after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me to enter heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside at the rainbow bridge for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven if I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, You take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven without you to warm my heart.

************************

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

***************************

Dear Sweet Lady: Forgive you? There is nothing to forgive. You gave your baby all you could would have given more if you were allowed. You were both given a miracle of loving and sharing a life with each other. I know the pain. I have experienced almost the identical 11 weeks ago when I lost my beloved Ming. A 20 year old siamese sealpoint. She took the best part of me when she left. One day we will be with them again. We will share another life with them. I will keep you and your baby in my prayers always.

Children Lost

I see small kittens looking skyward,
gazing at the raining snow
I see them jumping but not reaching far enough
To fall and jumping up to try again
I see innocent souls playing
in the yard joining each other
enjoying the dancing butterfly
perhaps to highlight a rainbow in the distance
searching and running for the elusive
firefly flitting about the darkness
I see pain taking them all away
as the grim reaper has used his scythe
cutting down the lives and inflicting
pain and hurt and tears and anger
and shock and untold questions
that haunt us so that we must find the
different ways to ease the pain;
that we had to put them down

tears enough to fill the river Styx
to help them cross into the realms of death
and over the rainbow bridge
as we pray for them while we express our love
for those taken away.... innocent kittens of memory all
sleeping in the hands of God.

Some Gentle Thoughts

Thoughts abound of old friends who crossed the Rainbow Bridge
or how we fell into that bottomless pit looking up into world
as a silly little kitten pounces and crawls up our legs
to sit and gaze into our slavery
adicted to that quiet purr
head tucked into tail or front paws asleep
that we wish not to disturb
letting them run free safe within our house
running a fast as possible to catch that imaginary mouse
as a silent stalk to pounce on a brother, sister or giant dog
tolerated because he objects not to our claws
afraid at times methinks of nothing but our meows

and gentle purrs conquer all within our domain.

We love them all
as they give us all we need
while sleeping on our laps

Through out our lives
we walk and stumble
to be caught by our friends
who ask for nothing in return
except for you to
remember them
mourn
and fill the River Styx with tears
so they may cross

I find it difficult
expressions abound
flowing through
memories
as I remember my step mother Dorothy
my Uncle Felton
a favored cat friend
who have passed this last month
amid the furor of activity

disjointed and random

amid the passing pain
as the favorite smile of each
comes forth
to help ease the pain.

We may be sitting
or laying upon the bed
when we are bothered,
not really but we are interrupted,
by big eyes
looking deep within our soul
while wagging tail
gentle purr
cold wet nose
or needle sharp talons
tweak gently
telling everyone they love us
and lost we are
once again.

Found on PAWS-A-WHILE PET POEMS PAGE

Should You Go First!

Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memories' garden
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When faded, the lilacs blue;
In earl' Fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain,
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched
Along the way,
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your bark, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping paws
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
One thing I'll have to do,
Walk slowly down that long path
For soon I'll follow you.
I want to know each step you take
So I may take the same,
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

Caring Cats

Appearing to be, just little brats,
Nevertheless, they are caring cats.
Qualified to leap, to unreachable heights
Always more frisky, particularly at night.
Able to run sideways, even on walls
Keeping in balance, never to fall.
Accused of being finicky, when I call it class
An affectionate nature, there caring cats.
When talking to a cat, to make you aware
They shift their ears, to tell you they hear.
The light that shines, from their eyes at night
Alone in the dark, a mysterious sight.
Captivating your love, with a relaxing purr
Displaying affection, attentive to words.
Their spirited nature, being mischievous cats
Compassionate felines, their caring cats.
by: T.A.S.Yoder

What is a Pet

A pet is such a special friend,
A friend in many ways.
Sharing love and companionship,
Just looking for your praise.
The clever things they often do
Bring a smile to your face;
And so to them I dedicate,
This small but special place...

Found on Healing and Inspirational Poetry

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Rainbow Bridge: Sequel To The Original
Oh, when we get to Heaven
We hope that we will find
The souls that once we loved
Who left us all behind.

Some left us at the right time
They left this world in peace
Others left too sudden
Without the chance to say Goodbye,
They were gone before we had
The chance to even cry.

There's a special place for grownups
A special place for kids
Me? I'll be on the other side
The side called Rainbow Bridge.

Across the dark green meadow
A'top the hills I'll run
Where the colors from the rainbow
Glitter from the sun.

And there I'll find my sweetheart
Running fast toward me
In my arms where he belongs
for all eternity.
Jean McColgan
The Dance
Looking back on the memory of
the dance we shared, beneath the stars above.
For a moment all the world was right,
how was I to know that you'd ever say good bye?
And now I'm glad I didn't know
the way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance,
I could have missed the pain,
but I'd have had to miss the dance.
Holding you, I held everything,
for a moment, wasn't I the king?
If I'd only known how the king would fall
hey who's to say, you know I might have changed it all.
And now I'm glad I didn't know
the way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance,
I could have missed the pain,
but I'd have had to miss the dance.
Tony Arata
Your Pets In Heaven
by Ken D. Conover
To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.
Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.
We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.
Your Pets In Heaven

A Million Tears...
by Elizabeth Bergdoll

I have cried a million tears and would cry a million more,
if I knew that it would bring you back to the place you were before.
Oh how much I miss you since you've gone away,if only I had had more time even one more day.
I would hold you in my arms and kiss your soft sweet fur,and tell you that I love you so as I listen to your purr.
I will always miss you and wish you were still here, but know that in my heart you always will be near.

C-U again, someday
by Frances Curto
A family, a friend
A loved one to depend
In times of need and times of fear
always, you were near.
A place to hide, a face to seek
a personality so unique.
A life well lived but not well known
your gratefulness had always shown.
I miss you so- I must let go
with tears I cry and pain I know.
Through this journey of mourning, I realize the bond
The bond so tightly held even now from beyond.
Sweet boy, we let you go
We have set you free from pain and this we know.
Guide us with your light, show us it's alright.
Be our warmth, our strength, and our shining knight.
Meows, they whisper, and your whiskers made me tickle
if I could have you back I'd give up my last nickle
Rhymes seem silly, but nothing compared to your fun-filled days. Dear Thomas, you were loved in so many ways.
By all who knew you, if even for a minute. You left a lasting impression which helps in my depression. I can smile when I think of you and I know you're looking at me saying, "I'm okay, live on and I'll see you again...someday."

This poem came from furry friends foundation alumni

"NOT AN ANGEL..."

The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions.
Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets, and cross the bridge together.

The young pup playfully nipped at the older one.
"Look! Something wonderful is happening!"
The older dog stood up and barked,
"Quickly. Get over to the path."

"But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told.
Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge.

As the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals.

Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.

The young pup was still in awe.
"Was that an angel?" he whispered.

"No, son." The older dog replied.
"That was more than an angel.
That was a person who worked rescue."

Author unknown